tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1958721984084383242024-02-07T23:47:08.407-06:00With An Angel On My Shoulder<b><i>"Your memories are a part of me<br>
Connecting me to what comes next"</i></b> <br>(from "A Song for Daniel, Stillborn" by Jean Felice Eilbert) <br><br>
<b>A Blog About What Came Next</b>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.comBlogger608125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-53649185587391579232010-01-06T22:27:00.004-06:002010-01-06T22:31:20.426-06:00Have You Seen My New Bloggy Home Yet?I moved my blog on New Years Day. If you haven't come to see my new blog, head on over <a href="http://waaoms.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> now. This blog will be available for archive reading but I won't be posting here anymore. I hope you'll join me at my new bloggy home!<br /><br />p.s. I am slowly but surely moving all the blogs I follow over to the new blog, so if I haven't come to visit you for a while, my advice is to leave a comment on my new blog, so I don't miss you in the shuffle!Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-70066884526372494152009-12-31T23:59:00.005-06:002009-12-31T23:59:00.126-06:00Moving Day (The Change I Told You About!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wa4.images.onesite.com/my.telegraph.co.uk/user/davidwright/moving_day.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 231px;" src="http://wa4.images.onesite.com/my.telegraph.co.uk/user/davidwright/moving_day.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hop on! This blog is moving..... over <a href="http://waaoms.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />(comments off)</span>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-66458651240170715962009-12-31T00:00:00.002-06:002009-12-31T00:08:23.654-06:00Changes Are A-Comin'!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/funny-pictures-cat-threatens-to-edit-your-face.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 235px;" src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/funny-pictures-cat-threatens-to-edit-your-face.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hehehe<br /><br />No, I won't really edit your face, so don't be scared....<br /><br />Although, I do hope you'll like the changes!<br /><br />I have decided, in fact, that the biggest change will take place precisely at the very moment 2009 turns into 2010.<br /><br />So, be sure to come back then and see what I've been busy doing! You don't want to miss it!Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-49066750963994613032009-12-30T02:27:00.004-06:002009-12-30T02:36:10.967-06:00WW: Snow Storm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIyxtJK-vE_qJ05NriFb3tXDh_cUic4irBBHvljrBe-qqedoVH6AM6whc54m5lVDw3pHW_uQP1FbOuC7EJRVHxlpwX7K1RnIAmVHI2WkRKEiCuHgwjk1CqNLvUOVFSmXFbHqrf2dMt2-c/s1600-h/IMG_1737a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIyxtJK-vE_qJ05NriFb3tXDh_cUic4irBBHvljrBe-qqedoVH6AM6whc54m5lVDw3pHW_uQP1FbOuC7EJRVHxlpwX7K1RnIAmVHI2WkRKEiCuHgwjk1CqNLvUOVFSmXFbHqrf2dMt2-c/s320/IMG_1737a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420943130672748898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The day before this photo, we could still see the sidewalk, which is unusual this time of year.<br /><br />It started to snow sometime after midnight, I think, and this photo was taken around 6 pm. By the next morning there was probably twice as much snow as seen in this photo.<br /><br />Is it spring yet....? I'm so over winter.Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-58970089524467183492009-12-27T00:00:00.001-06:002009-12-27T00:00:02.180-06:00Card: Long Stem Flower<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVKsUid0j7Ns8qx8XStWpQn1tM8VWGbOlYQK9oHCySbuQorUTvXVVSVyz57LWFHI-PN0Tx1wBKtcn5gyZrN1DDQpwUjcllu1Y-h3Wg_fT_h-hvNgNJgb9GcuheInV1X6Bp0InG0AVwSyc/s1600-h/IMG_1681a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVKsUid0j7Ns8qx8XStWpQn1tM8VWGbOlYQK9oHCySbuQorUTvXVVSVyz57LWFHI-PN0Tx1wBKtcn5gyZrN1DDQpwUjcllu1Y-h3Wg_fT_h-hvNgNJgb9GcuheInV1X6Bp0InG0AVwSyc/s320/IMG_1681a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418200479861149154" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made this card for my auntie who turned 99 earlier this month. I made it kind of on a whim after making <a href="http://withanangelonmyshoulder.blogspot.com/2009/12/cards-assorted-pack.html">these cards</a>. I had been drained of energy and ideas. I had made the flower part for another card but did not end up using it, and I had the leaves from another project as well so I ended up just taking a tiny little sliver from green paper to use as a stem.<br /><br />I liked how it turned out and I think I might make a whole set of these with different color flowers to put on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">etsy</span> shop once I open it. I might even make a notebook with this. Simple to make, but pretty. Curious to know if you all like them as much as I do.Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-19083498577680855582009-12-26T11:30:00.004-06:002009-12-26T11:40:54.159-06:00Wow, I Won!<center><a href="http://livingwithoutsophiaandellie.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6SLnqb_rdCG7gKaK7MT4lZLS9A9jJjuLAxl0j0Lzt2u4cZnZgjcODzqcHAaShyfASWi-idKfZzNGFAQerCo5tKcB8KaDcSiH9l3n1BcS6AmT5kXu-B0hRopEVwta0aWrYBsvTwU-XVnk/s200/GIVEaway2.png" /></a></center><br /><br />Wow, I am shocked and excited to have won one of the giveaways for the 25 Days of Giveaways (which stretched out to 29 Days!).<br /><br />You can see what I won <a href="http://ourbrokenheartspw.blogspot.com/2009/12/and-winners-are.html">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Thanks, <a href="http://ourbrokenheartspw.blogspot.com/">April</a>!<br /><br />Also, Katy over at <a href="http://hannahshonor.blogspot.com/">In Hannah's Honor</a> decided that everyone who left a comment on her giveaway will win a little something, so I won over there too! I'm looking forward to see what it will be!<br /><br />Thanks <a href="http://hannahshonor.blogspot.com/">Katy</a>!<br /><br /><br />And the biggest thanks to Tina over at <a href="http://livingwithoutsophiaandellie.blogspot.com/">Living Without Sophia and Ellie</a> for organizing this giveaway event!Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-34167556655563920312009-12-26T11:01:00.003-06:002009-12-26T11:09:03.358-06:00The Day After Christmas or Reason # 61124 Why I Miss YouBear and I used to write each other silly notes.<br /><br />The day after Christmas in 2007, which ended up being our last Christmas together, I wrote this silly note to Bear:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">T'was</span> the Day After Christmas<br />and all through the house<br />not a creature was stirring<br />not even a mouse<br />(except the house was a mess<br />and who was left to clean it but the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mrs</span>!)<br /><br />Momma is so tired<br />All she wants to do is sit by the fire<br />(except there is no fireplace to be seen<br />so momma keeps warm by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">doin</span>' the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cleanin</span>'!)<br /><br />The stockings are flung over the chair<br />emptied of the contents Santa put there<br />(surprised Santa came by this year<br />to leave presents for one naughty bear)<br /><br />©2007<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tla</span>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-71540091256746400302009-12-25T09:21:00.002-06:002009-12-25T09:28:05.869-06:00Special Handling Please ( A Christmas Poem for the Bereaved)<b>SPECIAL HANDLING PLEASE</b> <p>I was handed a package the other day.<br />It was wrapped securely to be mailed away<br />Attached to the outside as plain as could be<br />Was a simple note for all to see. </p><p>Please rush through the holiday season;<br />Too painful to open for any reason.<br />Contained within, find one broken heart-<br />Fragile, broken, falling apart. </p><p>Tried to go shopping the other day;<br />The hype of the season blew me away. </p><p>Sat down to write cards,<br />That was insane.<br />Couldn't find the list<br />Or think of my name. </p><p>People say,<br />"Come over, be of good cheer."<br />"Celebrate the holidays,<br />Prepare a New Year." </p><p>But my grief overwhelms me<br />Like waves in the sea.<br />Can they cope with my crying,<br />an unsettled me? </p><p>I don't have any holiday cheer.<br />Decorations, traditions, big family meal<br />I can't do this year.<br />Do you know how I feel? </p><p>Guilty and frustrated!<br />I've let everyone down!<br />Our holiday celebrations<br />used to be the best in town. </p><p>So just ship me away<br />Address unknown<br />When my grief is better<br />I might fly home. </p>written by: Mary J. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pinkava</span>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-1449696525463664482009-12-24T11:00:00.002-06:002009-12-24T11:35:44.093-06:00Christmas in Heaven<hr style="height: 3px;"><span style=";font-family:Dauphin,Arial;font-size:100%;" ><b>CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN<hr /></b></span><p><span style=";font-family:Dauphin,Arial;font-size:100%;" >We're wondering what Christmas in Heaven is like<br />As we grieve alone and pray,<br />longing for one who has gone before<br />To spend Christmas in Heaven today.</span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Dauphin,Arial;font-size:100%;" >And so in our dreams we wander far<br />From the scenes and sounds of earth<br />‘Til we catch the strains of the Heavenly choir<br />As they sing of the Christ Child's birth.<br /></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Dauphin,Arial;font-size:100%;" >The Angels we envision there<br />As they join in the festive play<br />And there amid the throng is our Loved One<br />Spending Christmas in Heaven today.</span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Dauphin,Arial;font-size:100%;" >There's joy in the faith that teaches<br />When our life's work is done<br />Of a place in Heaven awaiting<br />And the crown we worked for is won.</span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Dauphin,Arial;font-size:100%;" >In our grief may we learn well the lesson<br />So to work and suffer and pray<br />As to merit the joys of our loved one<br />And to spend Christmas together some day.</span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Dauphin,Arial;font-size:100%;" ><b>Author Unknown</b></span></p>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-87998811826207727912009-12-23T11:00:00.005-06:002009-12-23T11:06:22.308-06:00WW: Reason # 47884 Why I Miss You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_bZW7tcvxwBAu6QP05Z0lpuxBRuGdYSnpiVPy-dtvg-s0pjnbzmGAyXmbfA3RIVPSGkPO2tnt63BM6JsZGtqOUl91lkbxegAX7EEaOH17eyJsprxBXF5rypLSO1NKe6yZdsi6-nlFDiO/s1600-h/IMG_1696a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_bZW7tcvxwBAu6QP05Z0lpuxBRuGdYSnpiVPy-dtvg-s0pjnbzmGAyXmbfA3RIVPSGkPO2tnt63BM6JsZGtqOUl91lkbxegAX7EEaOH17eyJsprxBXF5rypLSO1NKe6yZdsi6-nlFDiO/s320/IMG_1696a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418477944072805362" border="0" /></a><br /><h3 style="font-weight: normal;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="UIStory_Message">These are just a few of the tags. I can't find the rest, or maybe they got tossed. Anyway, he felt that he was only allowed to give a certain number of gifts so he had to come up with some other ideas. They included "Santa", "The Christmas Elves", "The Christmas Ghost", snowmen, reindeer, etc. Anyway<span class="text_exposed_show">, that's the kinda guy he was. And he never forgot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Babybear</span> either. *sigh*</span></span></span></h3>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-71573941707340644042009-12-21T00:00:00.000-06:002009-12-21T01:08:17.017-06:00MPMHoping this menu plan will keep me fed during the hardest week of the year. Not only will I grieve my family and the holiday, but the delicious meals we usually made. Wish me luck.<br /><br />Monday - Popeye Pasta<br />Tuesday - "Coke" Chicken, Rice & Carrots<br />Wednesday- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Stirfried</span> Rice with shrimp <span style="font-size:78%;">(using leftover rice)</span>, spring rolls <span style="font-size:78%;">and possibly something else, undecided. </span><br />Thursday - Homemade Pizza<br />Friday - Rosemary Chicken, Homemade Fries and Carrots<br />Saturday - Spaghetti Squash and Farmers Sausage<br />Sunday - Beef Stew<br /><br /><br />I am also looking for your favorite potato soup recipes and more ideas for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OAMC</span> (once a month cooking). Help a girl out, will ya?Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-71559793300190470212009-12-20T11:00:00.005-06:002009-12-20T11:27:18.548-06:00Cards - Assorted PackI recently received an order for an assortment of 10 cards.<br /><br />It was quite the challenge to come up with 10 different cards in a short time span, and especially since I was asked for no girly colors like pink or purple (flowers were okay though!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-5Mk0jlmxnvYCrX7hpR-QFElwiHL6DYhgM9GcOR0cgzXLm76VDF5PTw8u5G1Os05LeLnZx5GwX5Bz5SNOyb8ylTm2Y3dnBhKH9FeMm8ExsSeg9bi10Q6k7VS3M6fz_Q5rdQ3oiwmRnxn/s1600-h/IMG_1636a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-5Mk0jlmxnvYCrX7hpR-QFElwiHL6DYhgM9GcOR0cgzXLm76VDF5PTw8u5G1Os05LeLnZx5GwX5Bz5SNOyb8ylTm2Y3dnBhKH9FeMm8ExsSeg9bi10Q6k7VS3M6fz_Q5rdQ3oiwmRnxn/s320/IMG_1636a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417365238734630946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHExCMVv0_jvX0q0qeuE9LXFwGyXcxfM03Ia0GCn7C7-4arNcUxTRLzw2khcIBcPZHdesrZ7ELVZi38cIBDzPZaPNXoTi6IWKUWBaO-kznRfkDyOZqiNu8kVEibIsxmxdlOfPK7TpdkAHD/s1600-h/IMG_1660a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHExCMVv0_jvX0q0qeuE9LXFwGyXcxfM03Ia0GCn7C7-4arNcUxTRLzw2khcIBcPZHdesrZ7ELVZi38cIBDzPZaPNXoTi6IWKUWBaO-kznRfkDyOZqiNu8kVEibIsxmxdlOfPK7TpdkAHD/s320/IMG_1660a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417367607922046434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYBytuHbMB00Rma5rJjYaHgOQPgct4FtTHJJAyTbichyavQiPz3TkzDq_ZRLuWy9ctDK-q3qtjCkXglu7cnlO3vTFdqgeq_buWBHJEh90l9z1kmqztYM8T5yXDQv5obDJsFumJETJGRbF/s1600-h/IMG_1659a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYBytuHbMB00Rma5rJjYaHgOQPgct4FtTHJJAyTbichyavQiPz3TkzDq_ZRLuWy9ctDK-q3qtjCkXglu7cnlO3vTFdqgeq_buWBHJEh90l9z1kmqztYM8T5yXDQv5obDJsFumJETJGRbF/s320/IMG_1659a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417367606721320370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was fun to do.<br /><br />Although remind me in the future to request orders to be made further in advance!Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-38696836330021021112009-12-19T03:26:00.002-06:002009-12-19T03:29:38.335-06:00Post-It Notes Are For More Than Posting Notes<span style="font-size:78%;">(sometimes insomnia is a good thing... I find cool videos like this one) </span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BpWM0FNPZSs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BpWM0FNPZSs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-38988473681900663062009-12-18T13:53:00.005-06:002009-12-18T13:56:21.842-06:00Friday Funny: Biggest Snowman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.df.lth.se/%7Epkj/pics/calvin_best.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 277px;" src="http://www.df.lth.se/%7Epkj/pics/calvin_best.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />(click to enlarge)Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-73111021297666537932009-12-17T11:24:00.004-06:002009-12-17T12:09:42.254-06:00Somewhat MIA and Some Bloggy News.I'm not really MIA. I'm reading through some blogs posts, but not as many as usual. And commenting on only a very few. The reason being they are mostly about Christmas, and I'm trying to ignore the holiday. I really don't want to bring you all down, because you all deserve to be happy and enjoy the time with your families.<br /><br />You'd think it would be easier to relax, not having to buy presents or wrap them or make a bunch of cards to write in, stuff into envelopes and lug to the post office to buy stamps. No where to go, and no company coming.<br /><br />You'd think it'd be easier, but it's not.<br /><br />I know I'd be complaining about the lack of time and how much there is to do too, if I were everyone else, but I'm not. This year, I wish I WAS, you know?<br /><br />Now, I don't want this post to become one of my whiny ones. I reserve those for <a href="http://onebearhugatatime.blogspot.com">the cancer blog</a>. I know not everyone reads over there, it's just too sad and depressing.<br /><br />So, for now, I am busying myself with trying to get some things organized, like my email contacts and getting things set up for my blog renovation. I am still here.<br /><br />And speaking of my email and blog organization, if I had your email address at one time or another, I have emailed you recently. I will be deleting email contacts that I don't hear from by the end of December. It doesn't mean you won't be able to email me, but I won't be able to email you. It also doesn't mean I don't like you or don't want anything to do with you. It's just a way for me to start anew with my email.<br /><br />The new year will bring some changes to my blog that will hopefully make my blog more enjoyable to read. Watch for announcements and email updates. <br /><br />Thanks to everyone who responded to <a href="http://withanangelonmyshoulder.blogspot.com/2009/12/customized-blog-layouts.html">this post</a>. I have so many choices! Now, I just need to decide who I would like to design my blog layout and how much I can afford to spend. And we all know how quick and decisive I am. <span style="font-style: italic;">*snort*</span><br /><br />In the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">meantime</span>, I'd love to hear ideas from you that help you make your blog the success it is. What are some of your tricks to keeping it organized and a pleasurable experience for all?<br /><br />What are some of the features on my blog that you like best, and would like to see stick around in the new year? Which tags on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">blog's</span> sidebar that interest you most?<br /><br />What are some features you have seen in OTHER blogs or that you have on your own, that you might like to see on my blog?<br /><br />And, should you have time or even want to, feel free to go through my archives and let me know some of the posts I've written that you like best.<br /><br />While my blog is ultimately for me, and I'll do as I darn well want, I still would like to know what my readers like best. It's good for me to be aware so that I can challenge myself to be the best blogger I can be. It gives me a focal point and will help my writing skills improve.<br /><br />Did you know, once upon a time, I fancied myself a writer? I thought I'd go into journalism and become some famous magazine writer. That never happened because I'm a rambler at heart, but I still attempt to write and still long to be the kind of writer that I love to read.<br /><br />Also, before I forget, I am looking for people who would like to be a <a href="http://withanangelonmyshoulder.blogspot.com/search/label/FollowerOfTheMonth">Follower of the Month</a> in the upcoming months. If you're interested, please let me know. Either comment below or email me.<br /><br />Just a few moments ago I said I am a rambler at heart, and if this post doesn't prove that, then nothing will. And so, I shall end this post before I ramble right into tomorrow.Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-57298460908924949272009-12-12T13:18:00.003-06:002009-12-12T13:26:34.913-06:00Toy Drive 2009Every year, I donate a teddy bear in memory of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">babybear</span> to the Children's Miracle Toy Drive. This is the teddy bear I donated this year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1AZCehVXJYsd64ZQtfENdNVWYyEKohKJQrnf4EMlTPlaxhXgU4nb4ahLRSC-662842DlM80vu1A9GOLfwLGDhpB2DyHwut_6HYKs588rVVbWiNouB5EIy_xaseXHpZe-JUjjTf1UDRUi/s1600-h/IMG_1643a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1AZCehVXJYsd64ZQtfENdNVWYyEKohKJQrnf4EMlTPlaxhXgU4nb4ahLRSC-662842DlM80vu1A9GOLfwLGDhpB2DyHwut_6HYKs588rVVbWiNouB5EIy_xaseXHpZe-JUjjTf1UDRUi/s320/IMG_1643a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414431616594858098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I like to think he'll bring a smile to some deserving child this year. Just because Christmas no longer exists for me, doesn't mean it has to cease to exist for someone else.Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-46160977073606444992009-12-11T00:00:00.000-06:002009-12-11T00:00:00.526-06:00Friday Funny: Hippo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ihasahotdog.wordpress.com/files/2009/04/funny-dog-pictures-hippo-impreshun.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 331px;" src="http://ihasahotdog.wordpress.com/files/2009/04/funny-dog-pictures-hippo-impreshun.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-62079721299292734162009-12-09T18:32:00.005-06:002009-12-09T18:38:45.888-06:00Customized Blog LayoutsJust wondering for those of you who have customized backgrounds, where did you get them? Were they costly?<br /><br />As much as I like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alot</span> of the freebies I've found over the last couple of years, I'm leaning towards a customized blog layout this time around, and so who better to ask than my readers, who may have suggestions where the best place to go to is.<br /><br />There are some other changes in store for the new year as well, at least for my blog, I hope!Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-71355054654829002112009-12-09T14:33:00.004-06:002009-12-09T14:40:07.057-06:00WW: View From My Kitchen Window<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLOHX26KpL5CYytqCZrmqsATEv8I-OsetKNkPFQIwCs-2qxhOiFqB2zQB5DpAEND-r5kXLeTY7RdrG_ok5iHqp7zEVUphg9qe6y43tLHwLYxDh6JlUcnHsQRnZRX2UDRXo7gYGNETSJti/s1600-h/IMG_1616a.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLOHX26KpL5CYytqCZrmqsATEv8I-OsetKNkPFQIwCs-2qxhOiFqB2zQB5DpAEND-r5kXLeTY7RdrG_ok5iHqp7zEVUphg9qe6y43tLHwLYxDh6JlUcnHsQRnZRX2UDRXo7gYGNETSJti/s320/IMG_1616a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413337667410519522" border="0" /></a><br />This was the view from my kitchen while I was cooking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OAMC</span>. Taken on Dec. 5 around 4:30 pm. It was dark within 10 minutes of this photo. If you look closely you can see horses in the field. This, is why we bought this shabby house. A country view in the city.Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-78652190728772298242009-12-07T00:00:00.001-06:002009-12-07T00:03:35.879-06:00MPM - Dec. 7-13 Plus Final OAMC Tally<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1o7PRTv2o8DSn_DR5Ioy03xSlZeWdhjf2EmgTcpQY-FfIKr-q8w7KdIzsxTwhfLCQckm478trCNTkPOlhOC7ofFDLuz7X9O2dDE-gNFjcDoqprkkM80C77og2Uf2r4kV_g4kRlREFgAb/s1600-h/IMG_1621.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1o7PRTv2o8DSn_DR5Ioy03xSlZeWdhjf2EmgTcpQY-FfIKr-q8w7KdIzsxTwhfLCQckm478trCNTkPOlhOC7ofFDLuz7X9O2dDE-gNFjcDoqprkkM80C77og2Uf2r4kV_g4kRlREFgAb/s320/IMG_1621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412360848411057858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s1VrkedbSXKxfIwLsdjPnkCa6ddM1WrRokUMlvtKSATPUcq8QsU7dVCMjI7Nkq0Vw0_w_eV8ZU0RNeJ8xESh554GRh-USTRcZvP7QHp-rMDdJflx5PytlmiuE0HEeik76GCn3v2H2UJp/s1600-h/IMG_1619.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s1VrkedbSXKxfIwLsdjPnkCa6ddM1WrRokUMlvtKSATPUcq8QsU7dVCMjI7Nkq0Vw0_w_eV8ZU0RNeJ8xESh554GRh-USTRcZvP7QHp-rMDdJflx5PytlmiuE0HEeik76GCn3v2H2UJp/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412360845885691234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZGoq9JdkV1InsVLVMV3rwovtrNjEPwylzLopL712s731PHBMC7046yuK8Gr5GwWB96o0MtAkZVK3rnkOSRv2QQ3kWIkJqQNF4vNPBE4vhMTO4_ggzzn6C48oRrz1fYV5nnPpts8hSI55/s1600-h/IMG_1617.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZGoq9JdkV1InsVLVMV3rwovtrNjEPwylzLopL712s731PHBMC7046yuK8Gr5GwWB96o0MtAkZVK3rnkOSRv2QQ3kWIkJqQNF4vNPBE4vhMTO4_ggzzn6C48oRrz1fYV5nnPpts8hSI55/s320/IMG_1617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412360838184787298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The above photos are rest of the results of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OAMC</span> this week. You can see my other posts about it <a href="http://withanangelonmyshoulder.blogspot.com/2009/12/once-month-cooking-oamc-1st-attempt.html">HERE </a>and <a href="http://withanangelonmyshoulder.blogspot.com/2009/12/oamc-day-2.html">HERE</a>. Whew! After all that I don't think I ever want to cook again... at least til next month!<br /><br />Unfortunately, it won't be quite that simple, but at least <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">alot</span> of the work is done!<br /><br />It ended up being over the course of three days. Now don't feel entirely sorry for me, because it was partly my fault due to lack of planning and also being my first time, it was hard to know exactly what needed to be done and what I could do to make it easier.<br /><br />Next month, I hope to be more prepared in advance. So, I'm already trying to plan ahead. I'd love to hear from you for more ideas. I can't live off casseroles and soups and marinaded chicken. Well, I could, but I'd get bored fast. I also made some pancakes Saturday morning and decided to freeze some. It's going to be really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">beneficial</span> when I go back to work to have breakfast in the freezer too, so I am going to look for more ideas for breakfast.<br /><br />Well, that said, here's my menu for this week....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday </span>- Hamburger Soup<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday</span> - pick up something <span style="font-size:78%;">(weekly shopping day - don't need much though, now that I'm doing the big shopping at the beginning of the month, mostly fresh dairy and produce so who knows I may get home in time to make something instead!) </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday </span>- <a href="http://imperrfections.blogspot.com/2009/10/crispy-rosemary-chicken-and-potato.html">Rosemary Chicken with Potato Wedges</a> and Carrots<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Basa</span> Fish and Homemade Fries <span style="font-size:78%;">(perhaps leftover wedges from Wednesday to save even more time!)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span> - "Coke Chicken"*, Rice and Carrots<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span> - Homemade Pizza <span style="font-size:78%;">(just gotta decide what kind of pizza!)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday</span> - <a href="http://closetcooking.blogspot.com/2008/10/sweet-potato-soup.html"> Sweet Potato Soup</a> *<br /><br />*new to meTerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-34022150588074398442009-12-06T17:05:00.004-06:002009-12-06T17:23:33.136-06:00Follower of the Month: Amber<span style="font-size:85%;">(I apologize for being late with this month's Follower of the Month!)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">December's <a href="http://withanangelonmyshoulder.blogspot.com/search/label/FollowerOfTheMonth">Follower of the Month</a> is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Amber </span>of <a href="http://squashcakes.blogspot.com/">Viva <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Voce</span></a>.<br /><br />Amber is a newlywed who lives just a few hours south of me. One of these days, I hope to meet up with her. She has been a follower of mine pretty much since the beginning and has been very supportive during my trials over the last year or so. Thanks, Amber!<br /><br />So, let's get to know Amber a little more, shall we?<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLTy0zbUI3YBet0iDCk6J96Mo4b3IVBbNoaQBoo5rU1fkYR5tUOqlcddexiIxSmK75vylDV9NW8V59K0_EnP2OfYZyCJzqDQ-kXhDzhp-cNnPgyinmXrvD75x7JLcZEigJY9tL0TH7Tu_/s1600-h/232323232%257Ffp8%253C2%253Enu%253D3377%253E9%253A%253A%253E65%253A%253EWSNRCG%253D327%253B724%253A77338nu0mrj.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLTy0zbUI3YBet0iDCk6J96Mo4b3IVBbNoaQBoo5rU1fkYR5tUOqlcddexiIxSmK75vylDV9NW8V59K0_EnP2OfYZyCJzqDQ-kXhDzhp-cNnPgyinmXrvD75x7JLcZEigJY9tL0TH7Tu_/s320/232323232%257Ffp8%253C2%253Enu%253D3377%253E9%253A%253A%253E65%253A%253EWSNRCG%253D327%253B724%253A77338nu0mrj.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412263934097048034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><div style=";font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><div style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;font-size:12pt;"> <div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><b>1.</b></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >What’s your name?</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><br /></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Amber</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >2.</span></b><b><span style=";color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >Tell us a little bit about you.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><br /></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" > </span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >I am 26 <span> </span>(almost 27!) years old. I live in North Dakota. I grew up in a very small town (13 in my graduating class), and I gradually moved to bigger towns. ;) I graduated from college in Dec. of 06 with a BA in English and moved to my current city for a job that I absolutely love.<span> </span><span> </span>I just got married on September 26 to an amazing man who makes all my days good days.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >I love music (Alkaline Trio, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tegan</span> & Sara, Death Cab for Cutie, Against Me, Say Anything, etc) and good books (I am currently reading <em>The Middle Place). </em>I also love margaritas, summer, the color green and Elvis Presley.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >3.</span></b><b><span style=";color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >When did you start blogging, and why?</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><br /></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Honestly, I started reading blogs and I just thought that I could do it too.<span> </span>I have been blogging since the spring of ’07.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >4.</span></b><b><span style=";color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >Tell us a bit about your blog(s).</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><br /></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >It’s a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mish</span> mash of a lot of stuff.<span> </span>General life stuff, wedding planning, apartment hunting, life as a newlywed, and I have Fridays devoted to interesting things that I find on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">internet</span> or elsewhere.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >5.</span></b><b><span style=";color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><br /></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Yes, I think so. Through other people sharing their life experience, I have learned to be more grateful for my own.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >6.</span></b><b><span style=";color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >Link us to 1-3 of your favorite posts from your own blog.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><br /></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I am horrible at listing my favorite posts.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a href="http://squashcakes.blogspot.com/2009/07/being-with-you.html">Being With You</a><br /><a href="http://squashcakes.blogspot.com/2008/02/you-know-like-anteater.html"><br />You Know, Like An Anteater</a></span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><a href="http://squashcakes.blogspot.com/2008/02/you-know-like-anteater.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >7.</span></b><b><span style=";color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >Link us to 1-3 of your favorite fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bloggers</span>.</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >It’s hard to pick just three.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://apatheticfish.blogspot.com/"><br /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><a href="http://apatheticfish.blogspot.com/">Apathetic Fish</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><a href="http://lifeonthehilltop.blogspot.com/">Life on the Hilltop</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><a href="http://hmwsnapshots.blogspot.com/">Snapshots of My Life</a><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><a href="http://apatheticfish.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;"><br /></span></a> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >8.</span></b><b><span style=";color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >How did you come to be a follower of mine, and why do you follow me?</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><br /></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >You were one of the first people that left a comment on my blog.<span> </span>I had to return the favor, and I never stopped reading. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >9.</span></b><b><span style=";color:black;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></b><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >What, if anything, have you gained from reading my blog?</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><br /></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >I don’t think people realize what an incredible amount of strength they have within themselves and you are living, breathing proof of that strength. Through many hardships, you have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">persevered</span>. It helps me to better trust the old saying that God never gives you more than you can handle, and there is always a glimmer of hope that things will get easier and things will get better no matter the circumstance.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >10 Tell me the truth, you’re going to brag to all your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">bloggy</span> friends that you were my follower-of-the-month, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">aren</span>’t you? ;-)</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><br /></span></b></span></p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Duh!<br /><br />*****<br /><br />Thank you for being my follower of the month, Amber!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you would like to be a follower of the month, just send me an email with "I want to be a follower of the month" in the subject line!</span><br /><br /><br /></span></div></div> </div>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-70410731034726773062009-12-05T00:35:00.004-06:002009-12-05T00:41:44.184-06:00Another Anniversary of The Crappy KindSo a year ago today, I finally brought my husband home....<br /><br /><br />in a jar.*<br /><br />a JAR.<br /><br />a <span style="font-size:180%;">JAR</span>.<br /><br />and so he sits on my dresser<br />with my daughter<br />who's also<br /><br />IN A JAR.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* yes, I know it's called an urn but that's the first word that came to my mind when I saw babybear's urn for the first time.</span>Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-1127499087652218562009-12-04T11:10:00.001-06:002009-12-04T11:13:42.447-06:00Desperately Seeking Chicken IdeasAs you all know, I started <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OAMC</span> this week. Well I'm totally stumped what to do with the rest of the chicken breasts. Help?<br /><br />It must be something I can put in the freezer.<br /><br />It must be done today, because otherwise the chicken is going to go bad in my fridge. It's been there since Tuesday, and the date on it is Sunday so... yikes.<br /><br />While I realize I can just put it in the freezer as is, I already have tons of chicken in the freezer "as is" and I was hoping to avoid that.Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-72811064933284632202009-12-04T00:00:00.000-06:002009-12-04T00:03:57.664-06:00It's My Birthday, And I'll Cry If I Want To.By the time this posts, it will be my birthday.<br /><br />The calendar says I'm 34 this year, but I don't believe it at all. I'm pretty sure I'm much, much, much older.<br /><br />I feel like I have lots to say right now but I can't seem to come up with any coherent thoughts.<br /><br />All I want to do is cry.<br /><br />Not because I'm getting older.<br /><br />Oh, no.<br /><br />Getting older is no big deal...<br /><br />if you have someone to get old with...<br /><br />if you're raising a family...<br /><br />if you're happy...Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195872198408438324.post-52470991580275878082009-12-03T21:11:00.003-06:002009-12-03T21:28:22.405-06:00OAMC day 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfXwJIJTVpX09Qj3bhXcV_F4trKjoARRXIoY9AAQNk2DK0oC1kSQBLZ3Vn5e-9dFJOlsqB7uGDLL2DF3Nc9Oji81E63Tk3tegJ3KXBlTvihFkAk4FiDtQL5gmLRY_sMUcatg7vWbNKiOB/s1600-h/IMG_1612.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfXwJIJTVpX09Qj3bhXcV_F4trKjoARRXIoY9AAQNk2DK0oC1kSQBLZ3Vn5e-9dFJOlsqB7uGDLL2DF3Nc9Oji81E63Tk3tegJ3KXBlTvihFkAk4FiDtQL5gmLRY_sMUcatg7vWbNKiOB/s320/IMG_1612.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411214597483544802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Result of Day 1. see post <a href="http://withanangelonmyshoulder.blogspot.com/2009/12/once-month-cooking-oamc-1st-attempt.html">HERE</a>.</span><br /><br />Day 2 was totally unsuccessful. All I did was marinade 4 chicken breasts and made 1 batch of hummus which I split into 2 bags.<br /><br />I still have 10 chicken breasts left to do something with but I can't decide what as well as a pkg of hamburger.<br /><br />I have tons of chicken that is plain, not marinaded or anything in my freezer so I really don't want to throw them in plain, but I think I will have to if I can't decide what to do with them. Everything I '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> thought of would require me to go back to the store and I'm really not up to doing that.<br /><br />I should not have bought that pkg of chicken when I really didn't need it. I'm regretting the decision terribly.<br /><br />Tomorrow is my birthday, and I really didn't want to do anymore work in the kitchen but it looks like I will have to. I can't leave the chicken in the fridge much longer.<br /><br />If anyone has suggestions as to what I can do with the chicken, please let me know. I really don't want to have to go to the store.<br /><br /><br />What I learned today:<br /><br />* I really need to be more organized and prepared.<br />* I will not split it over 2 days again, but should I have to, I'll take a day off in between.<br />* Was reminded how alone I am.<br />* No amount of coke will keep me awake when I'm exhausted.<br /><br />All I can say is that, I better not have any days where I can't decide what to have for supper, after all this. Even though, technically, I didn't make much.Terhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08427090425449970893noreply@blogger.com2